Francisca Luhong James

Francisca Luhong James (born 14 October 1995) is a Malaysian model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Malaysia 2020. She represented her country at Miss Universe 2020, and did not reach the top 21, marking the 50 years of unplacement for Malaysia at Miss Universe since Josephine Lena Wong at Miss Universe 1970.

Early life and career

James was born 14 October 1995 in Kuching, Sarawak. She is of mixed heritage from Kayan, Kenyah, Iban, and Dayak people. She is the eldest of three siblings and the only daughter of James Mering Bungan and Pauline Japok. She has a degree in mass communication majoring in public relations.

Pageantry

At 19, James participated in Miss Cultural Harvest Festival 2015, an annual ethnic beauty pageant held during the Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival. She was the second runner-up of the competition.

In 2016, James reached the top five at Miss World Malaysia 2016. She also won Miss Talent, Miss Natural Beauty, and Miss Elegant awards.

In 2018, James reached the top five at Miss World Malaysia 2018. She also won the People's Choice and Top Model awards.

In 2020, James won Miss Universe Malaysia 2020, earning her the right to represent Malaysia at Miss Universe 2020. The final of Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 was held on 5 September 2020 at Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. James was the eighth Miss Universe Malaysia from Sarawak and also the first Dayak woman.

James represented Malaysia at Miss Universe 2020, held in Hollywood, Florida, US on 16 May 2021. She did not reach the top 21, marking the 50 years of unplacement for Malaysia at Miss Universe since Josephine Lena Wong at Miss Universe 1970.

During her reign, James was accused of having previously been a nude model on adult websites, which she denied. This resulted in her being forced to stepdown as the titleholder of Miss Universe Malaysia.